By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have abducted 12 women in Mussa district, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victims were reportedly seized around 5 p.m. on Saturday while returning from their farmlands.
In a separate attack on Sunday, suspected Boko Haram insurgents also carried out an over two-hour assault in Magumeri Local Government Area, setting homes, vehicles, and shops on fire.
Confirming the kidnapping of the women farmers on Sunday, Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, said an investigation had been launched.
“There was an abduction yesterday in Askira-Uba. Twelve females were abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists while returning from the farm,” he stated.
He urged calm and assured that security efforts were ongoing. “When the investigation is concluded, it will be made public.”
Residents expressed concern and called for swift action. “The news reached us around 5 p.m. when their relatives could not trace them. As a community, we have informed our elected representatives, traditional leaders, and security agencies,” a resident, who asked not to be identified for safety reasons, told Punch.
Also, suspected Boko Haram terrorists set homes, vehicles, and shops ablaze in Magumeri Local Government Area.
According to sources, the insurgents stormed the community around 1:15 a.m. on motorcycles, shooting sporadically and displacing residents before torching property.
ASP Daso confirmed to Punch that no lives were lost.
“On November 23, at about 1:15 a.m., unknown gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram invaded Magumeri, burning some houses and vehicles. However, no one was killed. Normalcy has been restored based on joint efforts of security agencies,” he said.
The Executive Chairman of Magumeri, Abubakar Abdulkadir Yaro, said the attackers fled around 3 a.m. after being overwhelmed.
“Unfortunately, they set fire to residential houses and other property, but no life was lost. Our gallant troops and members of the Civilian JTF, Hunters, and volunteers responded to distress calls and successfully repelled the terrorists,” he added, commending the security operatives for their timely and coordinated response.
Residents praised security agencies for their presence and reassurance.
Ibrahim Hassan, a local, described the assault as “coordinated and planned. They chased people and set fire to homes, vehicles, and shops. Many of us were asleep and only woke up because of the noise and shouting.”
He added that security personnel remained in the community after the attack and assured continued surveillance.